Words by Tish Newton

Menu

Category Archives: killjoy

So Best Man Holiday opened in theaters over the weekend. There was a lot of buzz about it because the original was such a favorite. A couple of bloggers went to advanced screenings and promised that everyone would enjoy it. Word, I’m in there like swimwear!

Well Saturday after the opening, a meme started circulating giving away a major part of the plot. I saw it a good 4 times and not to mention the replies in that pesky ticker on Facebook. At first glance, I just looked at it as a balloon popping dick move and that was it. I wasn’t pressed and I didn’t even want to know why it was done…no explanation would’ve made sense to me regardless. Then in true Tish form, I gave it some more thought. People are just allergic to fun. Period.

I’m not going to go deep into the conspiracy theorists and their drink more Ovaltine decoder rings. The whole thing just reeks of the same tactics that religious zealots use to keep people in bondage and fear. I should know, I’ve been in that same bondage because of fear. I thought every little thing was a spirit that was going to jump in my body like Oda Mae Brown and make me evil. So yeah….

Years ago, some friends and I went to the final of weekly party that used to be held on Sunday nights in Chicago. It was called Supa Soul Sundays (long before the OWN network, by the way) and it was a time to cut a rug all night. The DJ didn’t play any top 40, just good soul music. So there was this one guy who was just standing in the middle of the dance floor with his arms crossed. At first, I just noticed that he had a halo of fuzz around his much need of a rebraid cornrows. When we got a little closer, I saw he had this grimacing look on his face. If he didn’t want to be there there were 2 exits and a row of couches to sit on…nah this wasn’t that. He came to fight. This song is on and you’re standing there like this …nah dog. I made sure my guy friends stayed out of his way. The truth of the matter, PLENTY of people go places that are meant to be fun to wreck havoc. They fight and shoot up nightclubs, parties, amusement parks, movie theaters, hell even Chuck E. Cheese. Allergic to smiles, fun and laughter.

Lately, I’ve noticed a trend with their inability to be entertained…and the need to openly judge those who are. I don’t know if it’s the influx of “reality” shows or what that keeps people from knowing fact from fiction. I’m also intrigued by people and their selective morality. Murderous, drug dealers are fine but having a fictional affair is the end of the world as we know it. Every song, every show, every movie gets dragged. Granted, there are some kinds of movies that I don’t care for. I don’t like Madea Goes to Camp movies and I’m vocal about that but I can’t see myself trying to purposely ruin it for someone. It’s not just a movie for some. It’s date night for some, it’s a “we got a sitter let’s go see a movie that’s not a cartoon for once”, it’s a time to connect and socialize with loved ones. It’s fun. The thing we’ve become allergic to. As a society, we’ve become uncomfortable with being content. Everything from ruining a movie for people to implying that sports games are always rigged, we just don’t know how to lay back and have a good time. I’m not on a high horse because I’m guilty of it at some level too. I don’t like crowds and I always end up complaining when I go to concerts. Hell, I’ve even shared memes that gave me instaguilt. I’ve done and laughed at some funny jerk moves. Even today, I got a good chuckle out of someone writing an “f” in front of a sign for an art show. So I don’t really have a dog in that fight. While I don’t understand the fun in ruining the plot for someone on purpose, I’m not really in my feelings about that. Scratch that…the person who made this meme though, full blown assnugget. Someone said it best, we need to treat the cause, not the symptom. Well, I’m going to “treat” the cause…in the Chicago sense of the word.

Dear Person who took the time to find a meme generator and ruin the plot,

So you probably saw the movie on opening night or got in one of those advanced screenings and that’s cool or whatever. Clearly, you weren’t that much above the Best Man Holiday to spend your time and/or money to see it. The part you gave a way was a major part of the plot and it could’ve really destroyed someone’s experience. I’m sure you thought it was cute to make a meme to spread like bacteria on Facebook and Instagram but it’s trying too damn hard. Perhaps you aren’t funny and witty like myself and this is what you have to do for humor. The funny thing is your probably enjoyed yourself at the movies, like most people did, this is just your brand of humor…your sad, pathetic brand of humor. It’s like having a piece of cake and then pouring salt on it so no one else can have any. I pity you, douchelord.

Seeing that meme several times and seeing the discussions in my ticker didn’t ruin my date night. I still had a fantastic time with le bew and our friends. It made me look at how I view my relationship, friendships and even my role as a godmother with so much gratitude. Knowing that part, did not ruin MY experience at all. Nice try though.

Best Regards,

Tish

So yeah, it’s okay to take off the blues, smile, laugh and do something fun. It’s really not a bad thing at all. Go see a movie, play a board game, dance to a stupid song, become the sofa side life coach of a TV character who makes bad life decisions…something. It’s bigger than a spoiler meme, it’s what we’ve turned into as a society. Our default setting is hater. Just don’t let the ills of the world consume you to the point nothing that brings you joy comes in.